A/N: A few notes on this story, in case you want to turn back before reading:
1 - If you're looking for a story that answers every question it raises and explains everything neatly with a bow on top, this story isn't for you. This story is glimpses of a life, through the letters of a bad communicator (I see Harry as being pretty bad at writing letters). There will be a lot of questions that are not addressed - some of them I have the answers and I'm just not putting them in here because I don't want them to be here; others have taken a life of their own and even I don't know the answer. Just know that this story doesn't explain much, it just gives you bits and pieces of a story.
2 - In this story, Harry and James speak/write the way I do . . . same American English, same expressions, etc (with a few exceptions where I can easily remember the Britishisms) - I know it's not authentic, but it's what's easier for me, and since my point in writing this story was to get an idea I had on to paper, authenticity isn't a big deal for me.
3 - After the prologue, there will be 7 chapters, one for each Year/Book. Book 7 will be a slightly different format than the rest . . . hopefully it'll make a little sense once you see it. Chapters are already written, and will be posted as soon as they are proofread (I will try to do at least one a week)
4 - Many of the events in Harry's schooling will be similar to what happens in canon, but obviously not everything can be the same. For the differences – some I will mention/explain, some not.

Prologue

James and Lily Potter hadn't seen the world outside their Godric's Hollow cottage for 10 years. But it was all worth it, because they lived with their son, Harry, an energetic boy who was currently being hunted by the most evil Dark Wizard the world had seen in many years, Voldemort, and his equally evil followers, the Death Eaters.

Thankfully, although they could never leave their house, the Potters were never alone. James's best friend (and Harry's godfather), Sirius Black, lived with them and also never left the house for fear that if he did, he might be forced to reveal the secret that keeps the Potters safe. They also had occasional visitors who were trusted with the secret of their location, but were not able to divulge it – most notably, James's other close friend from school, Remus Lupin, and the headmaster of the prestigious Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Professor Albus Dumbledore. For a few years after the Potters went into hiding, another friend of James's, Peter Pettigrew, had visited, but he stopped visiting, and the Potters were later informed by Professor Dumbledore that Pettigrew had become a Death Eater. James and Lily were thankful every day that they had convinced Sirius to go into hiding with them rather than using Peter as their secret-keeper.

For the charm that kept the Potter family safe, the Fidelius Charm, required a secret-keeper – one person who knew the secret location of their home, and only that person could divulge the secret. Anyone who was told the secret by the secret-keeper could locate the home, but could not then divulge its location to others. When the Potters went into hiding using this charm, they chose their best friend, Sirius, as secret-keeper, trusting him with their lives. Sirius knew he was an obvious choice, and was afraid that he could be captured and forced to reveal the information, so he encouraged the Potters to change their secret-keeper to Peter, who was far less obvious as a choice, and Sirius believed was that Peter was therefore less likely to be captured and tortured for the information. James pointed out that this logic was ridiculous – surely everyone closely associated with the Potters would be in equal danger of being captured and tortured (and he was proven right, as their friend Remus later was captured, but was able to escape without any life-threatening injuries), and instead encouraged Sirius to go into hiding with the family. Sirius Black reluctantly agreed, and he also had not been outside the cottage in Godric's Hollow for 10 years.

One Thursday morning in mid-July 1991, James, Lily, and Harry Potter were in their sitting room, waiting for a guest. Ordinarily, Professor Dumbledore's visits were not a big deal – he came to visit regularly during the summer, and occasionally stopped by for short visits during the school year. But Harry Potter's 11th birthday was fast approaching, and today Professor Dumbledore was coming over to discuss the possibility of Harry attending Hogwarts beginning on September 1st. James and Lily wanted Harry to attend their alma mater to receive his magical education, but after being in hiding for so long to protect their son, they were terrified that the moment they left him at the Hogwarts Express, Harry could be in severe danger.

Professor Dumbledore also wanted Harry to attend Hogwarts, and he had therefore spent the last few weeks going over the security arrangements he was to present to the Potters today. He wanted Harry to have as normal of an experience as possible, but knew that some situations, such as the Hogwarts Express and Quidditch, that would have to be avoided. He knew that "no Quidditch" would not go over well with Quidditch-obsessed James, Harry, and Sirius, but he hoped to convince them that it was an essential rule for Harry's safety.

After hearing a knock, James Potter went to open the door and found Professor Dumbledore standing there. After being invited in, Professor Dumbledore sat in an armchair facing the couch that Harry and Lily were sitting on, and James sat down next to his son. "And Sirius?" Dumbledore asked, surprised not to see the Potters' 10-year houseguest.

"He's upstairs, probably pacing a hole in my carpeting," James replied. "I didn't think he'd help this discussion at all."

"I'm inclined to agree with that," Professor Dumbledore replied, knowing Sirius as well as he knew the Potters. "Very well, let's get on with it. Harry, as you know, education at Hogwarts usually begins the September after a witch or wizard's 11th birthday. I know that your 11th birthday is approaching, and I am hoping that you can join us at Hogwarts beginning in September. Are you interested in attending Hogwarts?"

Harry nodded enthusiastically. For as long as he could remember, his parents and godfather had been telling them stories of their time at Hogwarts, and he was anxious to make his own memories. He had also never been in school with other children before, having always been homeschooled by his parents because he could not leave the house, and was really looking forward to making new friends.

Knowing that his son was really looking forward to meeting other children, James asked, "Will there be anyone we know starting Hogwarts this year?"

"There is a Weasley boy starting this year; I believe you've met Molly and Arthur Weasley," Dumbledore said. James nodded, and Dumbledore continued, "And Augusta Longbottom has agreed to send young Neville, which I think will be wonderful for him."

"That's wonderful," Lily said, smiling. "Harry, you and Neville used to play together sometimes as babies." James and Lily had become friends with Neville's parents, Frank and Alice Longbottom, during their time with the Order of the Phoenix, and for a few years the Longbottoms had brought Neville over for play dates twice a month. However, these play dates stopped when the boys were only a few years old, and Lily knew that Harry had no memory of playing with Neville. Lily had cried for days after hearing from Remus a few years back that Frank and Alice, Aurors who were deeply involved for the search for Voldemort's headquarters, had been captured and tortured into insanity. Sirius had also been close with Frank and Alice, and after hearing that his cousin Bellatrix (Black) Lestrange was involved, Sirius was practically inconsolable.

Harry nodded. He had no recollection of playdates with Neville, but knew that he would most likely be spending significant amounts of time with both Neville and the Weasley boy – especially if they were all sorted into the same house.

"We need to discuss security arrangements for Harry at Hogwarts," Professor Dumbledore said. "I have a number of ideas, all of which I think are essential to Harry's safety. Are you willing to accept my judgment of the security situation and my rules for Harry's safety?"

"Let's hear what your thoughts are first," James said. "I'm not going to blindly agree with everything and then have you tell me that my son can't play Quidditch."

"That is actually one of the rules I would like to set," Dumbledore replied. Seeing that James was about to protest, he raised his hand to silence him. "I understand that Quidditch was a very important part of your time at Hogwarts. But there are too many opportunities for Harry to be injured or killed. We have always allowed parents to come watch their children play in certain games, and I don't want to stop that practice, but I can't allow Harry to be put in a situation where he's easily exposed to people who can hurt him."

"It can't be easy to sabotage a broomstick," James argued.

"It's not; it requires strong dark magic," Dumbledore replied. "However, it's not as difficult to hex the boy on the broomstick. That's what I'm more concerned about. Exposure to a great number of unknown people all at once. That and physical injury, which I understand is an inevitable part of childhood, but which I would like to minimize because I'm afraid it might compromise Harry's ability to defend himself should he end up in an unsecure situation."

James was about to protest, but was stopped by his wife. "He's right, James," Lily said. "Safety first. I know Quidditch is something that Harry was really looking forward to, but if Professor Dumbledore thinks it could be a security hazard, then we need to agree."

"Thank you, Lily," Dumbledore said, knowing that she was the only one who could convince her husband to stop arguing. "James?" James nodded. As much as he wanted Harry to have the opportunity to play Quidditch, staying safe was more important, and he knew his wife was right. "Harry?" Harry also nodded, knowing that if his father had given up on arguing, there was no way he would be able to argue his way onto the Quidditch pitch.

"Very well," Dumbledore said. "The biggest issue is getting Harry to school. I believe that we can all agree that with the crowds at King's Cross Station and the minimal adult supervision on the train, sending Harry on the Hogwarts Express is a bad idea." James and Lily nodded. "After considering all possibilities, I believe that the best way to get Harry from here to school is via Portkey. I will have the Portkey ready for you towards the end of August, and I will bring it over when it is ready. On September 1st at 10 AM, the Portkey will take Harry to my office. There are a few things I would like to take care of there before I can bring him down to the Great Hall, where he can join the rest of the first years for the sorting once they arrive. Does that sound agreeable?"

All three Potters nodded. "Very good," Dumbledore continued. "Obviously, Harry will be subjected to the same curfew and out-of-bounds rules as any other Hogwarts students. Harry, I cannot stress how important these rules are. Can you promise me that you will obey these and all of the rules that are set out of the safety and protection of all Hogwarts students, as well as any rules that we set out specifically for you?"

Harry knew that the only way he could go to Hogwarts was if he agreed to all of the rules, so he nodded. "I promise to obey all of the rules," Harry said.

"Excellent," Dumbledore replied. "Before I touch on my last topic, do you have any questions?"

"Who's teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts these days?" James asked. "From what I hear, it seems like there's a new teacher every year."

"Unfortunately, that has been the case of late," Dumbledore replied. "Professor Quirrell will be teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts. It is his first year teaching the subject, but I'm hoping he will be an excellent teacher – and last for more than a year."

"Is Professor Slughorn still teaching Potions?" Lily asked. "I'm sure he'd be interested in Harry for the Slug Club, which makes me a little nervous. Professor Slughorn picks an interesting variety of students, and I'm not sure that they're all people I would want Harry to be exposed to."

"Professor Slughorn retired a number of years ago," Dumbledore replied.

"So who is teaching Potions now?" Lily asked.

Dumbledore hesitated before finally answering. "Professor Severus Snape."

"WHAT?" James screamed, jumping up from the couch. "After all of the safety precautions we've taken over the years and that you've put in place at Hogwarts, you're going to let that slimy, greasy Death Eater git teach my son? Harry will be dead after his first class!"

"Professor Snape is no longer a Death Eater," Dumbledore replied calmly. "I would not allow him to teach at the school if I thought it would jeopardize the safety of even a single student."

"He's a Death Eater and has been since he was in school, and everyone knows that," James said. "We know him. I can't trust him. Not when Harry's safety is at stake."

"I am aware that he was a Death Eater when he was in school and afterwards," Dumbledore replied. "He has renounced his Death Eater past and is now helping me at great personal risk. I trust him, and I hope you can too. I understand that there will always be bad blood between the two of you, but he has provided me with a large amount of important information since he switched sides, including regularly giving me lists of Death Eaters that I can give to the ministry. It was information from Severus that led to Peter Pettigrew's arrest. His information has saved numerous lives, and while I don't think that he will love the idea of teaching your son, I give you my word that he will do nothing to harm Harry."

"James, I think it's okay," Lily said softly. "I know that you and Severus never got along, but I knew him a lot longer and a lot better than you did, and I know that while he doesn't show it very often, he has the capacity for good. I know we have no evidence, but if Professor Dumbledore trusts him, I think Harry will be okay."

James scowled, but said, "Fine. But if he gives Harry any trouble, make sure he knows that there will be hell to pay."

"I will make sure he knows that he is expected to treat Harry like he would treat any other student," Professor Dumbledore replied. "Harry, do you have any questions?"

Harry looked at his father, as if asking for permission to ask questions. When James nodded, Harry asked, "I understand that we're in hiding because of Voldemort, because he wants to kill our family. But why do I need so many precautions when I'm away from my family? I'm just a kid, why would he want to kill me?"

Dumbledore looked from James to Lily. They had agreed 10 years ago that when Harry asked why they were always in the house, they would tell him that his family was in danger from Voldemort, but they would not tell him about the prophecy until he was older. They had never set a date for "when he was older," and James suddenly knew that this was that moment. He was about to speak when Professor Dumbledore interrupted him.

"I can't really explain it right now," Dumbledore said. "Perhaps when you're older you can understand, but for right now, as you said, you're a kid. You'll just have to trust us."

"No, you don't," James said. "I think it's only fair that if you have to follow all of these rules and special procedures, you understand why we have to set these rules."

"James, he's not even 11," Dumbledore interrupted.

"He will be in a few days, which means he's old enough to be going to Hogwarts in a month," James replied. "I'm his father, and it's up to me to decide when the time is right to tell him this. I think it's that time. I'm not sending him off to Hogwarts without him knowing what the true danger is. I don't want something to happen to my son because he doesn't have information that could help him."

"Very well," Dumbledore conceded. "I cannot stop you from speaking to your son. But I also will not aid you in any way – and that includes answering any questions that Harry may have that you can't answer."

"Fine," James replied. Turning to Harry, he said. "Professor Dumbledore knows more than I do about this, but since he doesn't want to tell you, I'll tell you what I know. Before you were born, there was a prophecy that said that a child was being born at the end of July who had the power to defeat Voldemort. Because of the information that Voldemort heard from the prophecy, he believed that you are that child, and he decided to kill you. When Professor Dumbledore heard that this was Voldemort's plan, he informed us and told us to go into hiding. We knew that this was the only way to keep you safe, and here we've been ever since."

Harry had been silent throughout James's speech. He looked at his mother, who nodded. Harry continued to sit silently and look at the floor.

James looked at his wife, concerned. Maybe he shouldn't have told Harry about the prophecy? He put his hand on Harry's back and asked, "Are you okay, kid?"

Harry looked up, turned to Dumbledore, and said, "So when I leave, my parents are no longer in danger? Or if I was dead?"

"Oh, we'd still be in plenty of danger," James said. "We've been fighting against Voldemort since before you were born, he wants to kill us."

"Maybe we wouldn't have gone into hiding were it not for the prophecy, but we'd still be running," Lily said. "At least this way we can stay in one place and we're all together. If we were on the run for 10 years, we may have had to separate, and we certainly wouldn't have Sirius living with us. You may be the reason we're in hiding, but you're certainly not the reason we're in danger."

"Your parents are correct," Dumbledore added. "Voldemort tries to kill all those who fight against him. Your parents have been on that list since before they left Hogwarts. The prophecy, while it didn't help your safety, is not the reason that your family is in danger. If anything, it's the reason you're safe right now, because it sent your family into hiding."

Harry nodded, lost in thought. "So I have to defeat Voldemort?"

"Not necessarily," James said. "That's what he thinks, but that may not be what the prophecy means. It may not even refer to you. There's another boy that it may be referencing, who was also born at the end of July." Dumbledore looked down at the ground, but did not interrupt. "Right now, all you have to do is focus on being a normal 11-year-old boy. Worry about school. Voldemort can't get to you there. We can worry about Voldemort after your graduate."

Harry nodded. "Okay," he said. "I understand."

"Excellent," Dumbledore said.

"I have one last question," James said. "We've been pretty well cut off from the wizarding world for a while now – do people know that Voldemort is after Harry? Could this become an issue with the Slytherins, or with other parents not wanting their kids to be around Harry?"

"People do know that Voldemort has been seeking the Potter family," Dumbledore replied. "The fact that Harry is a target was supposed to be a secret, and I hope it can remain that way. Harry should be just like any other student whose family is part of the fight against Voldemort, but with the extra security precautions, of course."

James nodded.

"Now, the last issue to be addressed is your wand, school robes, books, and other supplies," Dumbledore continued. "Most students get these things in Diagon Alley, but I believe that it may not be safe for you to venture to Diagon Alley. Mr. Ollivander and Madam Malkin have both agreed to come to my office on September 1st as a special favor, and Harry can be fitted for his wand and school robes then. I can pick up all of Harry's books and other supplies in Diagon Alley; this isn't the first time I've been asked to do this for a student, so it would not be seen as out of the ordinary."

"That's not necessary, we can ask Remus to do it," Lily said.

"I thought you might suggest that," Dumbledore replied. "I trust Remus, but I'm not sure if it's a good idea. We already know that the Death Eaters are aware that he's a friend of yours, and we know that they are not beyond kidnapping him to get information about you. Normally I don't mind him running errands for you, but in this case, the Death Eaters will be looking for someone to do Harry's school shopping, and I'd rather not give then Remus as an easy target."

"I guess that makes sense," James said. "So that covers everything we need to discuss, right?"

"Yes," Dumbledore said. "I look forward to seeing you all later this summer. Harry, I am truly looking forward to having you as a student at Hogwarts come September 1st."

James saw Dumbledore out before returning to sit on the couch with his wife and son. "Everything good?" he asked, turning to Harry.

Harry nodded. "I'm excited," he said. "I'm nervous too, especially because I won't be able to practice with my wand before school, but I am excited."

"Well, Sirius will take it as a challenge to try to teach you wandless magic. Don't let him push you too hard, wandless magic is difficult even for fully-grown wizards, and you're still learning and growing your magic," James said. Turning to his wife, he said, "You okay, Lils?"

"Yeah, I'm good," she said. Turning to her son, he said, "I'm going to miss you. We've never been apart for more than a few days before. We're really going to miss you so much, kid."

A/N: If you want updates on timing, I generally post them on my profile . . . when I remember.

If you have any questions about the little universe I've created, feel free to ask - if I get enough questions that I have the answers to, I may decided to add a "chapter" after the last chapter answering some of the questions